Q: What does it mean to you to be selected to join Brand USA’s 2026 Ambassador Program?
A: Being selected as a Brand USA Ambassador is an absolute honour. The USA has always been one of my favourite destinations, both personally and professionally, so to be recognised alongside such passionate travel advisors is incredibly exciting.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to expand my knowledge of the USA, discovering new destinations and experiences and bringing that insight back to my clients.
Being part of this program allows me to continue growing as an adviser while helping more Australians and industry colleagues discover how diverse the USA really is.
Q: What are your aims and objectives for the role now that you’ve been selected?
A: My biggest goal is to continue expanding my knowledge of the USA beyond the famous destinations that Australians already know and love.
I want to uncover more of the hidden gems, unique experiences and lesser-known regions that make the country so diverse.
As a travel advisor one of my favourite things is introducing clients to places that they may not have otherwise considered and I believe this program will be a fantastic opportunity to build on that.
I am also really excited about the group that has been selected for the Ambassador Program.
While it’s still early days, everyone has already shown so much enthusiasm and a genuine passion for the USA.
I’m looking forward to learning from one another, sharing ideas and experiences, and working together to inspire more Australians to explore the USA.
Q: Why do you think the USA remains such a drawcard for Aussie travellers?
A: I think one of the biggest reasons is the incredible diversity of experiences the USA offers.
Whether you’re looking for world famous cities, national parks, theme parks, epic road trips, amazing food or live sport, there really is something for everyone.
What I love most though, is that you can visit multiple times and have a completely different holiday each time.
There aren’t many destinations in the world that offer such a huge variety of experiences in one country and I think that’s what keeps Australians coming back time and time again.
Q: How important is it that agents have in-depth, current knowledge when selling a destination?
A: I believe it’s absolutely essential. Travel is (now more than ever) constantly evolving, whether that’s new hotels, attractions, flights or changes within in the destinations themselves.
Clients really rely on us to provide advice that goes beyond what they can find online. First-hand experience and up to date knowledge can help us to recommend the right destinations, avoid potential pitfalls and create holidays that are tailored to each individual traveller.
It’s this combination of personal experience and industry knowledge that adds real value and helps turn a great holiday into an unforgettable one.
Q: Finally, what are some of your favourite spots or experiences in the USA?
A: New York City will always be one of my favourite places to visit. There’s an energy about the city that’s hard to describe and no matter how many times you return, or what season you return in, there’s always something new to see, do or experience.
That said, one of my absolute favourite regions in the USA is Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in Tennessee. I think it’s one of America’s best-kept secrets for Australian travellers.
As Gatlinburg is on the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s the perfect mix of incredible scenery, cosy cabins, incredible hiking, local food and that famous Southern hospitality.
It’s also an easy addition to a trip through the South, sitting just a few hours from Nashville, making it the perfect place to unwind after enjoying the music, energy and nightlife of the city!
www.claredossantostravel.com.au
https://www.visittheusa.com/get-facts-get-going/
Trade resources: https://traveltrade.visittheusa.com/
